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TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Governance, Governance, Latest, Local democracy, Local democracy, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications

War on Ukraine first declaration

European local and regional leaders reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine and call for peace, justice, and reconstruction.

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On the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, local and regional leaders across Europe renew their strongest support for Ukraine, its people, and its democratic institutions. 

Condemning Aggression 
The war has brought devastation to civilians, elected representatives, and essential infrastructure. The abduction of Ukrainian mayors and the ongoing detention of five of them highlight the assault on democracy and the rule of law. These acts are condemned in the strongest terms, with urgent calls for the immediate release of the detained leaders. 

Solidarity and Support 

Local and regional governments across Europe stand firmly by Ukraine. Partnerships such as the Bridges of Trust project, the Eastern Partnership programme, and the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine are mobilising resources, expertise, and cooperation. These initiatives are not only helping communities recover but also preparing Ukraine for its future as a full member of the European Union. 

Shared Values 
This declaration is a reminder that Europe’s foundations rest on peace, democracy, and respect for international law. As the war continues, European leaders join the international community in reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in urging the Russian Federation to end its illegal war. 

A year into this unjustified conflict, the commitment of Europe’s municipalities, cities, and regions is unwavering: to stand with Ukraine, to defend shared values, and to contribute to rebuilding a peaceful, democratic future. 

Read the declaration here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Safeguarding local investments 

Investing in Europe - News

Why EU economic governance reform must protect municipalities’ ability to invest 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has warned that the upcoming reform of the EU’s economic governance framework, including the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), could risk undermining the investment capacity of municipalities and regions across Europe. 

Local and regional governments are responsible for almost half of all public investments in the EU. These investments are essential to deliver on European priorities such as the green transition, digitalisation, and resilient infrastructure. However, the proposed introduction of net expenditure ceilings risks unintentionally penalising local governments, who generally borrow only for long-term investments in capital assets. 

Reform and its implications 

The European Commission has announced plans to simplify the SGP by replacing certain rules, including the medium-term objective (MTO), with a new system of net expenditure ceilings. While CEMR welcomes the move away from the MTO, which had previously constrained local investment through deficit limits and reduced transfers from central governments, it raises serious concerns about the impact of the new ceilings. 

Applying net expenditure limits to municipalities would create three major risks: 

  • Higher administrative burdens arise because local governments do not use the net expenditure concept in their accounting. 
  • Political mismatches, since local electoral cycles rarely align with national fiscal programming. 
  • Cuts in public investment, as postponing infrastructure projects, are often the only quick adjustment available under tight expenditure ceilings. 

This is even though local government debt levels are prudent in every EU Member State, and are already strictly monitored under national rules. 

The solution: exclude local expenditure 

CEMR is therefore calling for the exclusion of local government expenditure from the definition of net expenditure ceilings in the reformed SGP. Much like cyclical unemployment spending is excluded, removing local investment from these calculations would ensure municipalities can continue to provide essential services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in the future without being penalised by centralised fiscal targets. 

At a time when Europe urgently needs stronger local action to address climate, digital, and social challenges, weakening municipalities’ ability to invest would be counterproductive. Protecting local public investment within the EU’s economic governance reform is not just about budgets, it is about safeguarding Europe’s capacity to deliver on its ambitions. 

Read the position paper here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Latest, Publications, Territorial development

Cohesion policy funds 2021-2027

European Town - News

Cities and municipalities in the driving seat for EU Cohesion Policy funds?

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What is the common feature between the trolleybuses in Otsravian metropolitan area (Czech Republic), the local food businesses in Ljubljana Urban Region (Slovenia) and the traditional dance festival in Saint-Gervais-d’Auvergne (France)? They all benefited from the European Cohesion Policy through integrated territorial investments (ITI) or community-led-local development (CLLD).
 
Behind the term “EU Cohesion Policy” we can find a variety of programmes and fundings such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) although the latter is now directly attached to the Common Agricultural Policy.
 
In practice, these funds reach thousands of towns, cities and regions, as well as other beneficiaries through the intermediation of “Managing Authorities” which can be national Ministries or Regions. But there are two lesser-known dimensions of these funds which are directly  implemented on the ground: the so-called ‘ITI’ and ‘CLLD’
 
ITI and CLLD
 
Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and Community Led Local Development (CLLD) are the main mechanisms used to implement European Cohesion Policy funding in an integrated and place-based manner. Using these tools to implement Cohesion Policy funds is a guarantee that local governments and local stakeholders will be closely associated in the design, implementation and monitoring of the EU funds they receive.
 
They can allow the use of different funds in an integrated way. For instance, a rural municipality interested in a social inclusion project could combine ESF and EAFRD in a single, comprehensive project.
 
On paper ITI and CLLD are great tools for local and regional governments… But how do they translate in practice?
 
In 2015, we delved into the analysis of the use of the ITI  in different Member States. A few years later, with the start of the new programming period 2021-2027, we reiterated the experiment to understand how these tools were used in practice in the previous period and what the lessons learned and changes in their implementations. Click here to read the full study.
 
To do so, CEMR reached out to some of its member associations to gather feedback on the implementation and planning of ITI and CLLD tools from the perspective of cities and municipalities.
 
Highly appreciated tools, but some difficulties in implementation remain
 
Overall, the many feedbacks we received were quite positive. ITI and CLLD are considered great instruments thanks to their adaptability to local needs and specificities. They empower local authorities, and by doing so help raise their capacities in managing EU funds. But they also strengthen multi-level dialogue between the local authorities and the Managing authorities (either the Ministry or the Region). Hence reinforcing the trust between the different governance levels.
 
All is not yet rosy either: some challenges remain for fully tapping into the potential of these tools such as the administrative burden still inherent to Cohesion policy funds in general. In CEMR’s new analysis, we also identified some recommendations to improve the uptake of ITI and CLLD in the current and future programming period.

Read the study here

For more information, contact:

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben
In Impact community Society, Local democracy, Local democracy, Publications

Support for Istanbul Mayor

Istanbul Mayor - News 2022

CEMR President voices strong support for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu

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The President of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Gunn Marit Helgesen, expresses strong support for Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.

“The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is deeply concerned to learn that a Turkish court has sentenced the Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu of Istanbul to more than two and half years in prison on charges of insulting members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council as widely reported in the international press.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms this conviction handed down to our colleague and furthermore, we denounce the political ban that may lead to his removal from office. Mayor Imamoglu is an elected official whose actions do not warrant this repressive and disproportionate verdict.

CEMR has been following closely events in Turkey the past years and finds the unacceptable treatment of local elected politicians highly disturbing. These events have no place in a democratic society, and we would urge the Turkish judicial system to reverse this unjust decision.

CEMR supports democratically elected politicians whose legitimate mandate stems from their election by their citizens. We stand firmly in solidarity with local leaders in Turkey and across the world in their fight for freedom of speech and local democracy.”

Read the declaration here

For more information, contact:

BORDELOT Federica
In Climate, Climate, Energy, Energy, Housing, Housing, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Latest, Publications

Smarter building rules in Europe

Housing - News

EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe

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EPBD revision: Local flexibility and long-term planning key to success, say CEMR and Housing Europe 

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and Housing Europe have joined forces to publish a set of recommendations on the European Commission’s proposal to recast the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). While both organisations fully support the ambition to decarbonise buildings across the EU, they warn that the proposal must better reflect the realities on the ground. 

Local and regional governments, as well as providers of public, social, and cooperative housing, are critical actors in delivering the EU’s climate objectives. But a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. 

The joint position paper outlines three key recommendations: 

  1. Respect local differences through subsidiarity and adaptability 
    The EPBD must allow member states and local authorities to tailor building codes to their own context. Setting EU-level definitions for zero-emission buildings without a clear methodology risks creating uncertainty and undermining national efforts. Other areas, such as fire safety and asbestos removal, should remain the competence of national or local governments. 
  1. Provide a stable and realistic framework for renovations 
    Renovating buildings is a long-term process that requires careful planning. The proposed EPBD introduces tight deadlines and shifting labelling systems, making it nearly impossible for local authorities and property owners to comply effectively. CEMR and Housing Europe argue for a more predictable timeline that reflects labour shortages, market dynamics, and tenant affordability. 
  1. Support zero-emission construction with energy system flexibility 
    While new buildings must meet high standards, member states should retain the freedom to choose their energy sources. That includes not only on-site renewables, but also low-carbon energy from the grid, waste heat, and energy recovery, all in line with the EU waste hierarchy. 

Ultimately, the success of the EPBD will depend on how well it enables local and regional actors to deliver results. CEMR and Housing Europe are clear: the path to climate-neutral buildings must be ambitious but flexible, fair and grounded in local realities. 

Read the full policy paper here  

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In EU budget, EU budget, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Cohesion, Impact community Society, Latest, Local democracy, Publications, Territorial development, Territorial development

Bringing Europe closer to its citizens 

EU Cohesion Policy - News

How ITI and CLLD strengthen local democracy, multi-level governance, and place-based development in EU cohesion policy 

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The European Union’s Cohesion Policy is one of its most important instruments for promoting economic, social, and territorial cohesion across its member states. With nearly €392 billion allocated for 2021–2027, it tackles inequalities between regions while supporting a greener, more competitive, and more inclusive Europe. Central to this effort are Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), two tools designed to put territorial needs and local actors at the heart of EU funding. 

Why integrated tools matter 

The foundations for a place-based approach were laid in the 2009 Barca Report, which argued that EU policy should focus on unlocking the potential of specific territories while addressing persistent exclusion. ITI and CLLD, introduced in 2014, operationalise this vision by giving local and regional governments a stronger role in programming, governance, and project implementation. 

These tools provide flexibility, enable cooperation across levels of government, and ensure that EU funds target the real needs of communities. For municipalities, regions, and their associations, they are among the most valued features of cohesion policy. 

ITI: Integrating strategies across territories 

ITI allows funding from several EU programmes to be combined in support of integrated strategies. It has been especially used for urban development, where at least 8% of ERDF funding is earmarked for sustainable urban projects. While designed to cover any functional area, urban, rural, or mixed, ITI is most common in metropolitan settings, where challenges like mobility, housing, and regeneration demand integrated solutions. 

CLLD: Communities leading the way 

CLLD builds on the LEADER approach to rural development, empowering local action groups of citizens, NGOs, and businesses to design and implement strategies. While most common in rural areas, it has the potential to strengthen participation and ownership in cities, too. CLLD fosters trust, encourages bottom-up innovation, and helps address the needs of vulnerable groups such as youth, migrants, or elderly people. 

What worked well 

CEMR’s analysis highlights several clear benefits: 

  • Flexibility and relevance – ITI and CLLD adapt EU funding to local needs. 
  • Capacity-building – local authorities gain expertise in managing EU programmes. 
  • Stronger governance – fostering trust and cooperation between local, regional, and national levels. 
  • Visibility of EU action – projects close to citizens showcase the value of EU funds. 
  • Community cohesion – encouraging cooperation among local actors and building metropolitan or regional identity. 

Persistent challenges 

Despite their value, integrated tools face obstacles: 

  • Administrative burden remains high, with complex procedures and slow fund absorption. 
  • Limited flexibility – strategies must still align with national operational programmes, sometimes restricting genuine local priorities. 
  • Time pressures – integrated projects require trust and participation, often at odds with the EU’s strict N+3 spending rule. 
  • Uneven use of PO5 (“Europe closer to citizens”) – some member states underfund this priority despite its direct link to ITI and CLLD. 
  • Urban uptake of CLLD – adapting the rural-focused model to cities remains difficult. 

CEMR recommendations 

Looking ahead, municipalities and regions urge the EU to: 

  • Maintain and strengthen integrated tools in cohesion policy. 
  • Simplify procedures at both EU and national levels, avoiding “gold-plating.” 
  • Clarify guidance on multi-funding, project selection, and the use of PO5. 
  • Exempt ITI/CLLD projects from the N+3 rule to allow more time for participatory approaches. 
  • Reintegrate the EAFRD into the Common Provision Regulation to ease multi-fund projects. 
  • Ensure meaningful local involvement in programming, implementation, and evaluation. 

Conclusion 

ITI and CLLD have proven their worth as vehicles for place-based development, democratic participation, and closer cooperation between Europe and its citizens. While challenges remain, strengthening these tools is essential for making the EU’s cohesion policy more visible, more inclusive, and more responsive to local realities. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben
In About CEMR, About CEMR, Latest, Publications

CEMR Statutes

Local leaders - webpage banner

The legal framework guiding CEMR’s mission and governance

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The Statutes of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) set out the legal foundation, mission, and governance structure of the organisation. They define how CEMR operates as an international non-profit association based in Brussels and outline its role in representing local and regional governments across Europe.

At the heart of the Statutes is CEMR’s core mission: to protect and strengthen the autonomy of local and regional governments, promote democratic governance, and support their participation in European and international decision-making. Through advocacy, cooperation, and knowledge exchange, CEMR works to ensure that the voice of cities and regions is heard at the European level.

The document also explains how the organisation is structured and governed. The Policy Committee acts as the main decision-making body, setting strategic priorities and approving budgets, while the Executive Bureau oversees the implementation of decisions and the day-to-day direction of the organisation. The President provides political leadership and representation, and the Secretary General manages the daily operations of the Secretariat.

Membership is open primarily to national associations of local and regional governments that share CEMR’s objectives and democratic values, with additional categories for observers and honorary members.

Overall, the Statutes provide the legal and organisational framework that enables CEMR to work collectively with its members to strengthen local democracy and cooperation across Europe.

For more information, contact:

OKKALI AKTAS Ayben
In About CEMR, About CEMR, Latest, Publications

CEMR code of conduct  

Building a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment at all CEMR events and activities 

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is committed to ensuring that all of its activities, from high-level conferences to informal meetings, take place in an environment that is professional, respectful, and free from harassment, violence, or discrimination. 

The CEMR Code of Conduct establishes a clear, zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour. It applies to CEMR staff, members of national associations, elected representatives, and third parties who participate in CEMR events, whether in person or online. 

Harassment and discrimination can take many forms, verbal, psychological, physical, or sexual. They may be isolated incidents or systematic behaviours. Regardless of form or setting, such conduct undermines personal dignity and professional integrity and will not be tolerated. 

To ensure effective protection, the Code of Conduct outlines: 

  • Reporting procedures: Incidents can be reported verbally or in writing at any time, without fear of reprisal. Immediate steps will be taken to stop misconduct. 
  • Investigation mechanisms: An independent investigative committee, balanced in gender and composition, will review allegations within 30 days and recommend remedies or sanctions. 
  • Confidentiality guarantees: All parties’ rights and privacy will be respected, with strict confidentiality during proceedings. 
  • Remedies and sanctions: Depending on severity, actions may range from mediation and warnings to exclusion from events or referral to public authorities when criminal offences are suspected. 

CEMR has also introduced trustworthy persons, specially trained staff who act as first points of contact for colleagues facing stress, conflict, or abusive behaviour. They provide guidance, mediate issues, and ensure that concerns are raised constructively and confidentially. 

This Code is a public document, intended not only as an internal standard for CEMR but also as a model that can be adapted by other organisations. By adopting it, CEMR reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding dignity, equality, and inclusivity in every sphere of its work. 

Read the code of conduct here 

For more information, contact: 

GAUDRON Marine
In Energy, Latest, Local finances, Local finances, Publications

Sustainable local finances in Europe

Sustainable local finances - News 2022

CEMR releases landmark study on local finances in European countries

Discover the online tool

People depend on quality local public services and infrastructure every day. Reliable buses, insulated public housing, good schools or clean energy: all of these and more depend on healthy and sustainable local public finances to be developed and maintained.

That’s why the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is releasing a fully-fledged online report and tool entitled Local Finances and the Green Transition in Europe. This one-of-a-kind study provides data and analysis on the trends in local and regional finances in 40 European countries over the past 10 years. The study offers a bird’s eye view of both changes in subnational finances and the remarkable diversity of national situations.

“This report is essential reading for policymakers, politicians and academics. Only by understanding local public finances and unlocking futher investments can we achieve the sustainable and resilient societies our people and planet need”, said CEMR Secretary General, Fabrizio Rossi, who added: “If this report shows one thing, it is that well-funded municipalities, counties and regions are essential to taking care of our people and realising the environmental transition“. 

Revealing figures and trends as observed over the last decade

The study reveals for instance that despite making up 25% of all public spending, local and regional governments finance 54% of all public investment. This reflects the leading role of municipalities and regions in investing in areas such as energy efficient housing, smarter public transport and local environmental protection. The climate and energy transition will only happen by working with local and regional governments.

Also noteworthy is that subnational government debt is at a manageable level in the 36 countries where comparative data was available. In fact, local debt is low and stable, a mere 4.8% of GDP on average. By way of comparison, general government debt increased by the middle of the decade to 67% of GDP (and to 81% in 2020).

While browsing through the online study, you will also come across a special section on the impact of the EU’s €720-billion post-COVID recovery plan on local and regional governments. This chapter looks in particular at the implications for the green transition and territorial cohesion.

The data shows clearly that the share of green transition among the main RRF spending areas is higher in the decentralised countries. Stronger local and regional governments can support more recovery and resilience programmes and actions.

A dynamic and interactive online tool

“Local Finances and the Green Transition in Europe” is available as an interactive online tool  as well as in PDF  format. The online tool contains:

The study is currently only available in English. The French version is under development.

The study was launched on 10 November 2022 at the occasion of a seminar bringing together representatives of many of CEMR’s member associations, the OECD, KDZ and the study’s co-author Gábor Péteri.

For more information:

GURI Durmish
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, EU Covenant of Mayors, EU Covenant of Mayors, Green City Accord [closed project], Green City Accord [closed project], IncluCities [closed project], Inclucities [closed project], Latest, Living-in.EU, Living-in.EU, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities

CEMR projects overview  

CEMR’s externally funded projects foster cooperation, innovation, and sustainability across Europe 

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Through its externally funded activities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) brings local and regional leaders together to exchange ideas, test solutions, and build stronger communities. These projects are more than initiatives: they are platforms where municipalities and regions collaborate on Europe’s most pressing challenges, from climate action to equality, from digitalisation to democratic participation. 

Overview of Projects 
CEMR’s portfolio of externally funded projects reflects its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion: 

  • Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities (RFSC) – Supporting sustainable cities with a practical tool to plan and assess policies. 
  • IncluCities – Advancing migrant integration through peer learning among municipalities. 
  • Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) – Driving circular economy solutions for cities and regions. 
  • Green City Accord – Helping European cities commit to ambitious environmental goals. 
  • Covenant of Mayors – Uniting local leaders in climate and energy action. 
  • PLATFORMA – Strengthening international partnerships and decentralised cooperation. 
  • Bridges of Trust – Building ties between Ukrainian and European municipalities. 
  • EPSU (Local Digital) – Supporting local administrations in navigating digital transitions. 
  • EPSU (Third-Party Violence) – Tackling violence against public service workers. 
  • Go.Li.EU – Promoting youth engagement and European citizenship. 

Together, these projects illustrate how CEMR channels external resources into meaningful action. By bridging local realities with European priorities, they not only empower municipalities and regions but also shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

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